Bysiewicz taking eligibility case to court

Published 12:00 am, Thursday, February 18, 2010

Secretary of the state Susan Bysiewicz on Thursday announced she filed suit in Hartford Superior Court for a Declaratory Ruling on the state's legal requirements for the Office of Attorney General.

Bysiewicz, of Middletown, is seeking official confirmation of her eligibility as a candidate for the attorney general position.

"I am happy to have this opportunity to confirm my eligibility for the office of attorney general for the state of Connecticut," Bysiewicz said. "It is clear that I more than meet the requirements to serve as Attorney General and this effort will confirm that once and for all."

Connecticut state law currently requires that the attorney general be "an attorney of at least ten years' active practice at the bar of this state..." (CGS 3-124) Through the suit, Bysiewicz argues that she meets this requirement through her service in private practice and in public service as secretary of the state for more than a decade. Bysiewicz also indicates that the very requirement itself is unconstitutional under the Connecticut and U.S. constitutions.

The suit seeks injunctive relief in order to prevent any harm to the Democratic Party and the voters of Connecticut, who face uncertainty as to the status of a declared candidate for statewide office. The suit includes all required parties that have authority over placement of candidates on the primary ballot this August, including the State of Connecticut, the Connecticut Democratic Party, and the Democratic Party Chair, Nancy DiNardo.

Bysiewicz, who filed the suit as a private individual, is represented by Attorney Wesley Horton, a renowned authority on Connecticut constitutional law. Bysiewicz was also joined by Connecticut Democratic Party Chair Nancy DiNardo.

"I am proud to stand with Susan as she takes this important step to resolving a critical issue not just for this election, but for all future elections for Attorney General," said DiNardo. "Connecticut voters deserve clarity on who is legally eligible to seek this office so they can focus on the more important issue of who is the best choice to serve."

"My focus has always been fighting for the people of Connecticut," said Bysiewicz. "I look forward to discussing my strong record of service to Connecticut and my plan to protect Connecticut jobs, safeguard our consumers, and defend our environment."

Opponent George Jepson issued a statement that said the following: "Today's announcement acknowledges what should have been clear all along, that only in court can Bysiewicz clear up questions of her legal qualifications to serve as attorney general.

Perhaps she finally got around to reading Attorney General (Richard) Blumenthal's opinion. The fact that she has to go to court at all underscores how paper thin her actual, real world experience is as a practicing attorney."